House overrides governor's partial veto on judiciary budget after floor debate over filing fees

The Kentucky House voted to override parts of Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of House Bill 504, the measure funding operations of the judicial branch, after floor debate on the bill's funding structure.

A representative from Jefferson County (Representative, Jefferson 33) urged colleagues to override the governor’s veto, saying that earlier court projections showed "a shortfall of approximately $13,500,000 per year," and pointing to measures that, he said, reduce the deficit. "Discussions with the chief justice and information exchanged with the administrative office of the court's shortfall, including a $5,000,000 annual appropriation to support the 9 judgeships authorized in 2022 and the authority to increase civil filing fees, which is projected to generate more than $5,000,000 annually," the representative stated. He added the branch had identified "operational adjustments of approximately $3,000,000 per year," and said those factors together "reduce the potential shortfall to less than $500,000 annually." He also noted general fund appropriations increases for the courts in later fiscal years.

Opponents said the bill shifts costs onto Kentuckians. The representative from Fayette County (Representative, Fayette 75) said, "The judiciary needed $5,000,000 per year that we're asking your constituents to pay through increased filing fees. It's already expensive for people to go to court. ... Making access to justice even more out of reach for low to moderate income families is not in the interest of justice in Kentucky." She urged members to sustain the governor's veto.

After debate, the House voted to pass House Bill 504 over the governor’s veto. As recorded on the floor by the clerk, the tally was recorded in the transcript as 76 members voting with 16 members voting nay; the clerk announced that House Bill 504 "the governor's veto notwithstanding, is finally passed." The House then applied the enrollment ("clincher") process to send the measure for enrollment.

Why it matters: The override formalizes the budget for the judicial branch and preserves legislative decisions on judgeships and fee authority. Supporters said the bill, combined with projected filing-fee revenue and internal adjustments, largely closed the projected shortfall; opponents said it would increase costs for court users and could impede low- and moderate-income residents’ access to justice.

Next steps: The bill was enrolled for signature. The House recessed to the call of the chair; the clerk and enrollment committee will complete steps to forward enrolled measures for the governor’s signature or other required action.